Lucy’s POV
To say I was shocked would be an understatement. Bewildered barely captured the swirl of emotions twisting inside me. My aunt… had a mate? My mind raced, and I couldn’t help but wonder how she felt at that very moment. How would this change her life? Would she have to move to Badosa? Thinking about her statement earlier, about how she could live here all her life, my thoughts were answered. And what about me—how would I stand against the world alone? A hollow ache began to creep into my chest, a tiny whisper of loneliness. And yet, beneath it all, I felt an undeniable joy for my aunt.
King Pontione appeared at my side with that quiet, reassuring presence he always carried. “You are not alone, child,” he said, his voice deep and steady, wrapping around me like a protective cloa
